Brendan Rodgers has revealed that Rickie Lambert cannot wait for his first Liverpool start against Middlesbrough in the League Cup on Tuesday.

The Reds boss stated that the former Southampton striker will be named in the starting XI in the third-round tie, and Lambert is eager to play his part for his boyhood club against the Championship outfit.

Rodgers told reporters: "He's a wonderful player, a great technician and he makes it really difficult for defenders.

"I know he's really looking forward to [the game] and hopefully he can get a goal on his first start."

The England international was signed for around £4m from the Saints.